IPL’s robot dog Champak in hot legal soup over comic book clash

IPL Robot Dog: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing legal heat after the Delhi High Court issued a notice over a trademark infringement suit filed by Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Private Limited, the publisher of the beloved children’s comic Champak. The lawsuit revolves around the name of the Indian Premier League’s newly introduced robotic dog, also named ‘Champak’.

The robot dog was launched this IPL season as part of the league’s marketing and production push. Developed by global broadcast technology company wTVision in collaboration with Omnicam and the BCCI, the high-tech robotic dog was first seen during a Mumbai Indians versus Delhi Capitals match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi earlier in April. Its interactive antics sparked widespread excitement among fans and broadcasters.

This robot interacts in real time with players, umpires and spectators—offering gestures like handshakes, jumps and heart signs.


While it didn’t have a name when it first appeared, the IPL organisers decided to hold an online poll asking fans to choose one. The name ‘Champak’ was the clear winner. According to the IPL’s official statement, “Champak won by a landslide,” and the announcement was met with laughter, nostalgia, and a flood of memes across social media.

After interactions via gestures with MS Dhoni to Hardik Pandya, the robotic dog has quickly become a recognisable fixture in the IPL scene.

The robot is equipped with advanced features—it can walk, run, jump, stand on its hind legs, and is fitted with a high-definition camera. This allows it to capture unique behind-the-scenes moments and provide fans with camera angles never seen before. In its introduction video, commentator and former New Zealand cricketer Danny Morrison even referred to it as his “new broadcast companion.”

Since its first appearance, Champak has taken on various duties. It has served as a coin-bearer during tosses, including during the match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Its playful, pet-like personality and tech-savvy functions have turned it into a regular attraction during matches, giving the IPL a futuristic and quirky twist.

But not everyone is amused. The publisher behind the original Champak comic has taken issue with the robot’s name and moved the Delhi High Court alleging trademark infringement. After hearing the matter, the court has now issued notice to the BCCI, seeking its response.

(With inputs from Indu Bhan of ET Bureau)